Dear Explorer,
Read John 13:12-17
We saw Jesus washing the feet of the apostles last time. When Jesus returns to the table after washing their feet, what does He tell the apostles that He wants them to do?
He says they should wash one another's feet.
Some churches incorporate a special service of foot washing that is very beautiful and touching. But foot washing is more than just symbolism and beauty, Jesus is teaching us how we need to treat our fellow followers.
Do not interpret these statements in John 13:14-15 to mean that Jesus is indicating that He is only a Teacher or Example. He IS our teacher and example, but He is also our Savior and Lord and King of the Universe and God Almighty Incarnate and without Him we have no hope of conquering sin and gaining a right relationship with God.
Last time, we talked about Jesus' desire to wash away the daily grime of sin from His followers. Now, He says He wants us to do the same? Can we forgive their sins?
Yes and no. Sins can only be forgiven by God. Still, we can forgive others for hurting us and offer them our forgiveness and the cleansing of our relationship. But what does it really mean to wash one another's feet?
I want us to look at several aspects of foot washing.
First, foot washing requires us to bend over and get into a physically "lower" position than we are used to. I've met followers of Jesus who would be horrified to "bow" before another person -- especially "certain" people. Yet, Jesus' worth and value was not threatened by His physical position. We often prefer to do ministry while standing tall and being recognized. How much more effective we are when we relate to others as ministers -- lowly servants. I'm much more effective sitting down and putting my arm around a hurting person and crying with them than I am standing aloof and preaching at them. When we are willing to serve people in Jesus' Name, we'll get off our "high horse" and be down mingling with hurting people as one of them. And note, that this is the exact opposite of the world's King of the Mountain attitude.
Secondly, foot washing gets your hands wet and dirty. In some cases, I'm talking literally. Binding up physical wounds, cleaning houses or helping someone move can be dirty work. Sometimes it's exhausting as well. And when you foot wash you may also encounter a spiritual burden that you've never experienced before. As I minister to others and hear their pain, I become spiritually burdened and physically feel their pain.
But when one follower washes the feet of another by listening, by caring, by becoming emotionally involved, there is an indescribable bond that happens between the two. Then we can pray for one another as brothers and sisters with a passion and new understanding.
Also, foot washing means doing what it takes to get problems resolved. We are not called to be "foot inspectors!" We are not here to examine feet and criticize or complain about their filth. We are called to be washers and that means that we expend whatever energy it takes to complete the task.
Also, foot washing enables others in their journey without regard for our own. I must put my problems aside if I'm going to minister to you. Foot washers don't get equal billing -- "I'll wash your feet if you'll wash mine." That does sometimes happen -- but it's very rare.
And finally, foot washers give with no expectation of praise or thanks or returns. They see the need and they reach out to meet it. Many people serve in order to be recognized or honored for their service. Being a foot washer means that you serve without regard to anyone else noticing. You have the assurance that God sees and rewards and blesses you.
I hope you will be a foot washer. Because – remember, that's Jesus' definition of greatness!
In His service, dale
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